AusConnect was launched by Minister Ruston on 10 December 2018, noting the online market place will make it easier to link searchers and suppliers, and to find opportunities to engage in the Australian aid program.

The establishing of the portal was announced at DFAT's 2018 Aid Supplier Conference.

Currently, organisations and individuals can face significant costs searching multiple web sites and other information sources to identify opportunities to engage with the Australian aid program.

This portal will serve as a single source of information listing opportunities and providing links for searchers to the entity holding the primary contract with DFAT so searchers can find more information and apply.

DFAT contract holders will be required to list such opportunities on the portal and this requirement will extend to all suppliers in the supply chain.

AusConnect will not replace existing mechanisms through which market opportunities are advertised - the innovation is that the new portal will bring all opportunities, including those for sub-contractors, into one accessible location searchable by sector, value and geography.

Access AusConnect